Greetings, Seahawk Community!

The beginning of a new school year is almost here!

Throughout the summer, our staff has been planning, preparing, and working thoughtfully to ensure that South Lakes is ready to welcome our students back. There is a special energy in the building right now. The hallways are beginning to come alive, our staff is returning, and the excitement and anticipation of a new school year are all around us. We cannot wait to have our Seahawks back in the building!

I am reminded that each new year offers us a fresh start and new possibilities. It is an opportunity for our students to set new goals, challenge themselves, build meaningful relationships, discover new interests, and become even more connected to our school community.

At South Lakes, we want every student to know that they belong here, they are valued here, and there are adults here who are committed to their success. That commitment extends well beyond academics. We want our students to grow as learners and as people, while taking advantage of the incredible opportunities available to them throughout their high school experience.

Our success depends on partnership. Students, staff, families, and our community each have an important role to play. As we begin the year, we will continue emphasizing the values that guide our work at South Lakes: accountability, communication, and data-based decision making. When we communicate openly, hold ourselves and one another to high expectations, and work together with our students at the center of our decisions, there is very little that our Seahawk community cannot accomplish.

For our returning families, welcome back. Thank you for continuing to place your trust in us. For those joining South Lakes for the first time, welcome to the Seahawk family. We are excited that you are here, and I hope you will quickly discover what makes this community such a special place.

As you enjoy these final days of summer, please take some time to review the important beginning-of-year information included in this week's News From The Lakes. There are several updates, dates, and reminders that will help ensure that every student and family is prepared for a successful start.

Most importantly, enjoy this remaining time together. Soon our classrooms, fields, stages, hallways, and common spaces will once again be filled with the energy, talents, ideas, and personalities of our students—and that is when South Lakes truly feels complete.

I am incredibly excited about what lies ahead and grateful for the opportunity to begin another year alongside this community.

With Gratitude,

Carlos Seward

We value your feedback. Share your observations, suggestions, questions and celebrations with me here.

New Student Orientation and Back-to-School Open House

New Student Orientation

Thursday, August 20, 2026, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

New Student (9th graders and others new to SLHS) Orientation will be held on Thursday, August 20th, from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM.  This is an opportunity for new students and their parents/guardians to walk their schedules and meet teachers prior to the first day of school. This event is for new students and parents/guardians. No registration is needed. 

The county will release student schedules that morning on StudentVUE and ParentVUE at 9:00 AM. Since we will be cellphone free for the orientation, when students arrive at school, they will proceed immediately to the cafeteria to obtain a copy of their schedule from their Counselor. 

Buses will be provided from local elementary sites according to the schedule below for students only. For those accompanying their student, please park on the flagpole side of the building and enter through Door #1. Doors will be open at 8:30 AM allowing time for your student to pick up their schedule from their Counselor. Once they have obtained their schedule, proceed directly to the Theatre for a welcome message from our Administration. 

For those students requiring transportation back to their elementary schools, buses will depart South Lakes High School at 11:00 AM.

Back-to-School Open House 

Thursday, August 20, 2026, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

This year, South Lakes will host its Back-to-School Open House before school starts. The Open House allows returning students and parents to walk their students schedules on their own and meet teachers before school starts. 

Returning students can obtain a copy of their schedule from their Counselor who will be located in the Cafeteria. We are encouraging students and parents to not use their cell phones during Open House since students will be unable to access their phones from Bell-to-Bell.

2026-2027 Student Parking

Attention Juniors and Seniors wanting a Parking Pass for 2026-2027.

Applications for a Parking Pass can be found on the school website, search under Parking. The directions and prerequisites are on the page. After 8/20/2026, remaining spots will be given to Juniors on a lottery basis.

Pick up will be Tuesday 8/18 and 8/19 in the Main Lobby at South Lakes from 9am -12pm. You must have your license with you to receive your pass.

Questions? Contact Dr. Cronin at pscronin@fcps.edu

New Student Device Requirement

New Universal Grade Matrices for Families

Starting this school year, students may only use FCPS-issued devices for school-related digital activities during the instructional day. This is in accordance with a new School Board requirement, approved on July 16, which states that students may not use personal electronic communication or computing devices, including personal laptops, tablets, smartwatches, smartphones, and similar devices.

Students may only use a personal device if it is required as part of a necessary accommodation in their Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan. A principal or the principal’s designee may approve a limited, course-specific exception for students enrolled in a specialized class when the curriculum requires a technology tool or software that isn’t available on a standard FCPS-issued device. 

Families can help support this requirement by reminding students to bring their FCPS-issued device each day and use it for all school-related digital activities unless an approved exception applies.

New Student ID Cards Coming for Bus Riders This Fall

As part of the ongoing commitment to strengthening layered safety and security programs, FCPS will implement a new student ID system for students who ride our school buses.

The implementation of the student IDs is designed as an additional safety measure for our 130,000 FCPS students who ride the bus each day, ensuring they are on the right bus and that they get on and off at the correct bus stop, as well as making sure only authorized students are on our buses.

The IDs will be provided to students who ride the bus. Those students will be expected to tap on and tap off the bus. The student IDs do not track student movement. The only information available is when a student taps on or off a bus. Much like our Here Comes the Bus app, our new app will allow parents/guardians to track the progress of the school bus.

It is possible that the ID program will expand in the future to include uses such as library cards and meal payment. Learn more about the new transportation system and student ID cards.

Apply Today for Free and Reduced-Price Meals

According to the Centers for Disease Control, eating breakfast at school is associated with better attendance rates, fewer missed school days, and better test scores. Studies show that students who eat both school breakfast and lunch tend to have healthier diets than those who don't participate in school meals. 

Families who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals can receive breakfast and lunch at no cost for their children. This includes more than one-third of FCPS students. Families must complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FRM) application before the start of each school year. Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits. 

The application for FRM is now available for the 2026-27 school year. Students who were approved for FRM last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed).

ACTION: Families should reapply as soon as possible so eligible children continue to receive meals at no cost.

Access the application and view criteria and up-to-date information on the FRM webpage. Families should reach out to their schools with questions or for assistance.

"The Lakes -- Podcast"

Last year, Billy Watts, our Assessment Coach, and resident genius, created the first ever South Lakes High School Podcast, entitled "The Lakes!" The podcast featured stories, interviews, and advice for students, parents, educators, and community about all things South Lakes High School. 

He plans to continue and grow his podcasts this year with episodes called "senior playbook" based on the SEL intervention "saying is believing." Keep an eye out for these new stories and more as we begin the 2026-2027 school year. Check out and subscribe to our school's podcast, "The Lakes" on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon podcasts.

Study Help and Support in Schoology

Study Help and Support Available to Students in Schoology

A new Schoology Study and Support Hub is available for students in Schoology. This space was developed by the FCPS Educational Technology Team with input from students. It is designed to provide essential study tools and academic support resources directly to our learners.

Students can log in to Schoology and read their Schoology announcements or watch this video on the support hub for more information. 

NEW FCPS App

All Your FCPS Links in One Spot

There are a lot of school and FCPS webpages to bookmark, but the FCPS mobile app serves as your central hub! 

Check daily meal menus and calendars with no login required, or use one-tap quick links to launch SIS ParentVUE, Schoology, and MySchoolBucks.

Download the FCPS mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Family Academy

Building a Brighter Future, Together: FCPS Family Academy

The FCPS Family Academy is where families can learn and get support for their child’s school journey. 

We know that parents and caregivers are critically important in their child’s education. The Family Academy lists classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. The Family Academy also includes information about resources available to help every family ensure their child has what they need to succeed. 

Visit the Family Academy webpage. Check out its catalog for upcoming classes, workshops, and webinars to help families learn about FCPS, parenting, early literacy, and how to partner with schools. 

New ParentVUE App

New ParentVUE Mobile App Launching July 28

On Tuesday, July 28, a new ParentVUE mobile app will become available in the Apple and Google app stores. This new app provides parents and caregivers with a more secure sign-in. The current “classic” app will remain active for about six months. Families must download the new app by December 2026 to ensure they have continued mobile access to their child’s school data.

In the new app, families can enroll in multi-factor authentication (MFA) for FCPS Single Sign-On. While enrollment is optional, we strongly recommend that everyone enable this security feature.

Learn more about installing the new ParentVUE app. Parents needing assistance should submit a Parent Support Request.

FCPS on WhatsApp

Follow FCPS on WhatsApp

Is WhatsApp one of the ways you stay connected with family, friends, and your community? Now you can use it to stay connected with FCPS, too.

Follow the new FCPS WhatsApp Channel for helpful information and reminders throughout the school year, including important announcements, upcoming dates, tips for families, and more.

Back-to-School Immunization Requirements

Make sure your child has all of their required immunizations before the first day of school. Check their immunization records to see what they might be missing. You can:

1. Request immunization records online through the Virginia Immunization Information System (a free service).
2. If your child was immunized outside of Virginia, get records from those states’ systems.
3. Request records from your health care provider. Some may charge for copies.

Review school-required immunizations to verify that your child is up to date. 

Required Immunizations 7th and 12th Graders

Several immunizations are required for students entering 7th and 12th grades. 

• All students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. 
• To meet the Tdap requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 7 or older.
• To meet the MenACWY requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
• To meet the HPV requirement, the vaccination should be given between the ages of 11 and 12, but can be given as early as 9 years old. 
• As a parent/guardian, you may decide that your child not receive the HPV vaccination. The school does not require documentation if a parent/guardian elects for their student not to receive the HPV vaccination.
• All students entering 12th grade are to receive two doses of Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) prior to the beginning of school. 
• To meet the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, one dose must be administered at age 16 or older.

As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time. 

Where to Receive Immunizations

If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your family’s healthcare provider or one of the following immunization events. 

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary.

If you do not have a healthcare provider, visit a Health Department clinic. Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) clinics offer immunizations to all Fairfax County students, as well as those who are behind on their scheduled immunizations or need a booster. 

Summer back-to-school immunization clinics are also available. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are also welcome. FCHD offers limited walk-in hours for immunization services on a first-come, first-served basis. Immunizations are also available by appointment.

Inova Cares Back to School Pediatric Health Fairs provide children ages 5 and up with free school physicals and immunizations. Weekend clinics are available in July and August. These health fairs are for VA Medicaid or Uninsured Inova registered patients only. Appointments are required. Call 703-698-2550 to make an appointment. Bring vaccine records to the appointment.

Local immunization clinics and additional resources are available on the FCPS Immunization Resources webpage and from the FCHD.

Become Unskippable: Fentanyl and Overdoses

How to Talk With Your Teens So They Won’t Skip What You Say

Strong communication is key to supporting your student's mental health. FCPS provides guidance on how to have short, impactful conversations with your teen about difficult subjects such as fentanyl and overdoses.

Learn more about how to have conversations with your child in a way that will make you unskippable.

No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for High School Students

Mental Health Teletherapy 

Virtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide a safe space to address concerns such as: 

• Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss.
• Anxiety, worry, fears.
• Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships.
• Academic stress.

Students can be referred by a guardian or designated school staff member. You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting an FCPS school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services. Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information

Mental Health Services

Your Child's Mental Wellness Matters: Access Comprehensive Services

Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized youth mental health services designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports that include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), intensive services, and other services. 

Contact CSB Entry and Referral to get started by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov. 

Additional Mental Health Resources

FCPS has resources available to support your child’s mental health. During after-school hours, parents and students who need additional support can use the 988 Lifeline to get free, confidential guidance from trained crisis counselors on how to best help someone experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. You can call or text the number. 

Recent reports have shared an 11% drop in suicides among young people since the rollout of 988. Please note, the hotline is not only for those experiencing suicidal ideation (or thoughts), it is also available for any mental health or substance abuse-related crisis and those with a loved one experiencing those crises or suicidal thoughts. 

And as always, if your concern is an emergency, you should call 911.